consumer column here and, simon, i think right now things are changing and we remain to see the effects of sandy on the data. >> let me return to this subject of why the consumer remains so strong. do you think the average american is aware of what the fiscal cliff is when you look at the numbers that watch television news or read newspapers and the degree to which they may not have spoken about that subject during the election campaign and most people thought by taxing rich we would solve problems we have in america and people have no idea that general low income americans have no idea i would suggest that the fiscal cliff is on its way. no wonder they are out there spending money. no wonder. >> i wouldn't make a distinction between what low income americans or high income americans know less than anyone around the scale. on the other hand, simon, it may be that people think they'll solve this problem and it's not going to affect them given the pledge by the president not to allow the tax increases and spending cuts to hit people $250,000 and below. that's a distinct possibility. i would also p